People often think a misbehaved dog needs 'training'. Training teaches obedience such as 'sit' or 'stay'. While an experienced dog behaviour specialist, like Michael Bylo, deals with the dog's behaviour - creating boundaries and balance in an otherwise obedient (or even disobedient) dog. For example, you can have a dog who listens to all of your commands, but acts aggressively towards other dogs. Such behaviour cannot be corrected with training or positive re-enforcement (eg. treat training or "good boy").

​This is where leadership comes into play. A dog behaviourist will look at the dog's routine, amount of exercise, boundaries, discipline etc. More importantly, they will look to see how you, as their leader, handle these situations. They will then teach you what you can do in your situation to correct and prevent the behaviour.

I'd like to share this article by Cesar Millan that touches on this and more:

Leading the pack"One of the most important things dog lovers need to do is make sure they and their dogs are in tune with each other, with the humans being the pack leaders and the dogs following that lead. Notice I don’t say a dog should be well-trained. It’s very easy to train any dog to “sit” or “shake,” but this does not mean the dog is taking on the proper role in the pack. If a dog is not balanced, then it will go right back to misbehaving once it’s done whatever trick you’ve taught it. If you only focus on training without discipline, then you may wind up with your dog training you, using your reaction to its “cute” behaviour to get what it wants.

Setting the boundariesI talk a lot about rules, boundaries, and limitations, which we need to create for our dogs to give them a sense of what they’re supposed to do. A pack leader’s job is to provide protection and direction. If you don’t give your dog direction, he or she can become anxious, frustrated, or fearful — and these are three of the biggest causes of common misbehaviours. You can help your dog achieve balance through my fulfillment formula of exercise, discipline, and then affection, in that order. All dogs need all of these things. It’s only the degree to which they need each one that varies with the dog.

Different dogs, different needs.Dogs come in many different sizes and energy levels, so there is no “one-size-fits-all” rule on how much exercise a dog needs. Your dog needs as much as your dog needs. If you have a high energy Dalmatian, you may find it necessary for both of you to run several miles three times a day, but if you have an older, low energy mutt, then once around the block twice a day may do the trick.

The same goes for the affection part, in terms of feeding. Canine obesity is a serious health issue, so you don’t want to feed that inactive, overweight dog the same amount or type of food as you would a hyperactive greyhound. Consult your veterinarian to determine your dog’s ideal weight, then find the right exercise and nutrition program that will help him maintain that weight. How do you know when you’ve hit the right combination? Your dog will tell you with its balanced, calm-submissive energy— its way of saying “thanks!”for being a strong pack leader." - Cesar Millan

Hi.im nick.i have a 10 week old old Rottweiler puppy who I would like to train right away.just wanted to no the times and dates of availability.thankd

jean Macdonald

2/20/2018 09:26:56 am

would like to take the puppy training. Please advise when this is available.

thanks
Jean

Stacy

3/23/2018 01:18:28 pm

My mom has a 7 month old Golden Retriever who jumps and bites her. He pulls while on leash. He did well in puppy school but despite trying everything his poor behaviour outweighs her wanting to keep him. He can be very gentle with others.

We have a 10 month pit bull puppy who we love but he is showing aggresion towards dogs and people. We also have a shepherd x who is 9 who does not do well with dogs or people. This is our fault and we seriously need your help as soon as possible. THe pit bull broke thru the fence and chased a kid, no bite but I am really desperate for your help.

Amanda Burke

10/11/2018 08:05:27 am

Hello, my partner and I are looking for some help with our two dogs. We live in East Vancouver. How much do you charge per hour/session? Thanks,

Amanda Burke

Vivi

12/19/2018 09:26:40 am

I have a 4 months old shiba inu.
She is a happy, active , always curious, smart puppy. She is able to obey the commands of sit, up, down , stay, n roll.
She is an alpha...when .she is, she is unable to hear to word 'no.' I would like her to be trained for her behavior.
How much do you charge ? Per hour?per session?

Thank you!

Vivi C

1/18/2019 12:16:00 pm

Hi There,
I have sent you a message about a month ago...regarding puppy obedience training.
I would love to hear from you very soon.
Thank you!

Debbie Harris

1/24/2019 03:38:17 pm

I need to get on the list for training, how do I do that?

Elizabeth

2/10/2019 03:36:54 pm

Looking for some help with an overly exuberant Great Dane who is very hard to control when he is on leash and sees another dog.